Cremation

What Is Cremation? Cremation is a process in which intense heat is used to transform the body back to its basic elements. The body, enclosed in a container approved for cremation, is placed in a cremation chamber. The soft tissue is vaporized. What remains is not ashes, but bone fragments weighing from three to nine pounds on average. This is what is contained in the cremation urn. Funeral homes often engage the services of a local crematory. Crematories provide the actual cremation with reverence and dignity. Crematories are regulated and inspected by state and federal agencies. Cremation is just one form of preparing the body for final disposition. Cremation procedures include filling out the death certificate and all other official documents. Cremation does not take the place of customary funeral services; it's merely another form of final disposition. Funeral services are the way we, the living, share our grief, acknowledge the contributions the deceased has made to our lives, and prepare ourselves for going on with life. Burial Vs. Cremation--A Complete Guide to the Options Why are more and more people choosing cremation? There are many factors, including: Personal or spiritual philosophy Environmental philosophy Simplicity or convenience Economy Greater acceptance now among many religions People are more likely to live away from their family roots (jobs, retirement, living, etc.) Cremation is a centuries-old funeral rite which is again growing in preference. It's the rite of preference in Europe, Great Britain, Japan, Scandinavia, and other regions. When choosing cremation as a part of your pre-planned arrangements, important considerations should be given to a few specific issues. How are cremation services different from regular burial services? They're not. Services with cremation are the same as with earth burial, unless you prefer something different. It's your choice to make--your funeral, if you will. Whatever you choose--casket and burial or cremation--family and friends need time to grieve and to say good-bye. This is the reason for funeral services--to support the living through the pain and loneliness of loss to acceptance and resolution. Cremation and burial offer the same services, including music, prayers, and recitations of your choice. You can having viewing and visitation arrangements, with an open or closed casket (or no casket at all) for as long or as short a period as you wish. Here are a few other services and options for your funeral or memorial service: Reception for Family and Friends; At the funeral home At your church In your home At another location that is special to the family or to the deceased Your local funeral director can assist you with these arrangements. Memorial or Prayer Service: A service of remembrance (like a funeral) With or without the urn or casket present Whenever you choose With whomever you choose Issues to Consider with Cremation There are some issues to consider when deciding between cremation and burial. Families may encounter some discomfort with cremation and resistance from family members for a variety of personal reasons. A funeral director has the skills and experience to help resolve these issues. Will your family be comfortable with cremation? Some family members are disturbed at the thought of death itself, much less cremation, which many perceive as a cold and uninvolved process. They may resist your wishes when the time comes. Address it with your family now if you want to be cremated. You can put their unease to rest, and have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be carried out. Direct cremation is another option--many people request to eliminate "all the bother of funeral services" for family members. Funeral services aren't provided for the deceased--they're there to help support and comfort the living. Take time to consider family and friends and their need to work through the grieving process before you make this decision. For more on planning a funeral or memorial service, see the funeral service planning guide. Scattering requests should be given careful consideration as well. Emptying the urn of all that remains of a loved one can be a traumatic experience--carefully consider the feelings of the family in deciding whether or not to do this. Another factor you should consider when deciding whether or not to choose cremation include the fact that crematories are operated by dedicated people with great respect for the deceased. For purposes of safety and dignity, it's generally required that bodies are cremate in a rigid container such as a casket or other container approved for cremation. Restrictions on cremation are different from state to state, even from one cemetery to the next. Depending on the final resting place you choose, requirements may include an urn, urn vault, and other items. Making your choices now can help your family down the road. In most cases, cremation satisfies federal clean air requirements. You should check to ensure that all personal property has been removed from the deceased at the funeral home and returned to the family or executor unless otherwise instructed. Families should also be mindful of valuables and mementos placed with the loved one. For more on the cremation process, and what happens before, during, and after, see the cremation process information provided by the Cremation Association of North America.